Journal of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dragon Fruit Stem Powder as a Suspending Agent in Ibuprofen Suspension: Formulation and Characterization

Nellisa Salsabila, Ririn Suharsanti, Intan Martha Cahyani — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:49:02 +0700

Indonesia is one of the tropical countries that produces dragon fruit which is an antioxidant. The high market demand for dragon fruit encourages farmers to increase yields by pruning plant stems, thus increasing waste. Dragon fruit stem powder contains cellulose which has the potential to be a suspending agent in ibuprofen suspension preparations. This study aims to obtain information about the effect of different concentrations of dragon fruit stem powder as a suspending agent on the physical characteristics of ibuprofen suspensions and to determine the concentration of dragon fruit stem powder as a suspending agent that can provide good physical characteristics of ibuprofen suspensions. Ibuprofen suspensions were made with different concentrations of dragon fruit stem powder, namely 5%; 7.5%; 10%. The suspension preparation was tested for physical characteristics including organoleptic tests, pH, viscosity, sedimentation ratio, and particle size. The test results were analyzed using a statistical approach using parametric and non-parametric tests with a 95% confidence level. The results showed that there was an effect of different concentrations of dragon fruit stem powder as a suspending agent on the physical characteristics of ibuprofen suspensions. The results of statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences (Sig.<0.05) in the physical characteristics of ibuprofen suspension preparations including: pH and viscosity, while particle size and sedimentation ratio were not significantly different (Sig.>0.05) in Formula II and Formula III. The concentration of 7.5% dragon fruit stem powder as a suspending agent in ibuprofen suspension was the concentration that provided the best physical characteristics.

Formulation and Characterization of Curcumin Micellar Powder Sublingual Tablets

Nina Wijiani, Helmy Yusuf, Dewi Isadiartuti, Mikhania Christiningtyas Eryani — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:19:25 +0700

Curcumin is the most active compound contained in turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa). Curcumin has low solubility in water, which affects its bioavailability. Efforts to increase curcumin solubility are made in micelle systems. However, micelle solutions have the short shelf life, so they need to be to be converted to dry micelle powder by spray drying. Curcumin micelle powder was formulated into sublingual tablets to provide a convenient dosage form, which may improve patient compliance due to ease of administration and avoidance of swallowing difficulties. This study aims to manufacture sublingual tablets containing curcumin micelles prepared with varying concentrations of sucrose and casein and to characterize them. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method. Tablet characterization carried out included tablet hardness, tablet friability, tablet disintegration time, and dissolution. The results showed that all formulas met the requirements for hardness, friability, disintegration time, and dissolution. This study concludes that variations in casein and sucrose concentrations affect the friability, disintegration time, and dissolution of sublingual tablets but do not affect tablet hardness.

Formulation and In-Vitro SPF Evaluation of Creams Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora L) Fruit Peel Extract

Nur Khairi, Maulita Indrisari, Zulham Zulham, Imelda Pauru — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:50:40 +0700

This study evaluated Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora L.) fruit peel extract as a natural photoprotective ingredient in topical cream formulations and determined its in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The ethanolic extract of dried Robusta coffee fruit peel was obtained by maceration and characterized by qualitative phytochemical screening. The extract was incorporated into oil-in-water cream formulations at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5%, while a base cream without extract was used as the control. The cream formulations were assessed for organoleptic properties, homogeneity, emulsion type, pH, spreadability, adhesion, viscosity, and accelerated physical stability. SPF was determined using UV spectrophotometry. The results showed that all formulations maintained skin-compatible pH and exhibited appropriate spreadability, adhesion, and viscosity, with satisfactory physical stability under accelerated conditions. Formulas 2 and 3, with extract concentrations of 3% and 5%, met the required organoleptic properties, homogeneity, emulsion type, pH, spreadability, adhesion, and viscosity standards. The base cream showed an SPF value of 5.70 (moderate protection). Incorporation of 1% extract increased the SPF to 6.40 (extra protection), while 3% and 5% extracts yielded SPF values of 12.85 (maximum protection) and 16.32 (ultra protection), respectively. These findings suggest that Robusta coffee fruit peel extract can effectively enhance the photoprotective capacity of sunscreen creams in a concentration-dependent manner. As an agro-industrial by-product, Robusta coffee fruit peel has potential to be utilized as a sustainable natural ingredient in sunscreen formulations. Further in vitro and in vivo studies, including UVA protection, photostability, and long-term stability, are recommended to fully assess its clinical relevance and product applicability.

The Impact of Daily Cigarette Consumption on Creatinine Levels in Active Smokers using Jaffe Reaction Method

Ersalina Nidianti, Siti Basiroh, Desi Susanti — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:32:36 +0700

Cigarette smoke contains various toxic substances, including heavy metals such as cadmium, which may contribute to kidney dysfunction. Cigarettes contain various chemical compounds as well as several types of heavy metals such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, arsenic, and cadmium. According to epidemiological research, exposure to the heavy metal cadmium is nephrotoxic so it can damage the kidneys. Kidney organ damage that occurs in the body can be identified by an increase in creatinine levels in the blood. This study aimed to assess whether the number of cigarettes smoked per day affects serum creatinine levels in active smokers. This research method is observational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach design on 27 active smoker respondents. The parameter examined was creatinine levels using the Jaffe reaction examination method which was analyzed using the one-way ANOVA statistical test. The results the mean creatinine level examination obtained in group X1 (1-3 Cigarettes) was 1.17 mg/dL. In group X2 (4-6 Cigarettes) it was 1.04 mg/dL. In group X3 (7-12 Cigarettes) it was 1.21 mg/dL. The results of statistical analysis using the one way ANOVA test obtained a P-value > 0.05, which means there is no difference. Conclusion daily cigarette consumption did not significantly affect serum creatinine levels among the active smokers included in this study. Further studies with larger sample sizes and consideration of confounding factors are recommended.

Utilising PLS-Enhanced FTIR Spectroscopy for the Rapid Screening and Quantification of Chemical Additives in Traditional Jamu: A Case Study on Vitamin B6

Fajar Aji Lumakso, Ardi Nugroho, Sucy Cahyani Putri, Chandra Kartika Nawangsari — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:31:18 +0700

Until today, there are still many medicinal chemicals added to jamu to gain the interest of the consumers. This illegal practice can lead to serious side effects for health. This research was intended to develop fast screening to identify and to quantify the vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in herbal product using FTIR spectroscopy allied with partial least square (PLS). The thin layer chromatography-densitometry was also employed to strangthen the identification. For the quantification, several potential wavenumbers were employed between 4000-400 cm^-1. These spectral dataset then was analysed using XLSTAT. The R² results obtained were 0.9898; RMSEC 0.001170; RMSECV 0.003808 and PRESS 0.000087 showing good results of developed model. The findings revealed the potential of FTIR and PLS combination to be extended as tools for analysing the marketed herbal products mixed with the medicinal chemicals.

Nanosuspension Increases the Solubility of Flavonoid Content of Moringa oleifera Extract and Antioxidant Activity

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:34:53 +0700

The development of natural antioxidants has become increasingly important due to the issues associated with synthetic alternatives. Moringa oleifera, rich in flavonoids, shows great promise for powerful antioxidants. This study aims to increase the solubility of flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of an extract from Moringa oleifera leaves (e-Mol) by converting it into a nanosuspension. The nanosuspension extract from Moringa oleifera leaves (nse-Mol) was prepared using Tween 80, HPMC, and a combination of both as stabilizing agents. The formulations were characterized by measuring particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index to assess stability and uniformity. The flavonoid content was determined using a colorimetric method, expressed as quercetin equivalents. Furthermore, antioxidant activity (IC₅₀) was assessed by measuring free radical inhibition using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The results indicate that the characterization of nse-Mol with Tween 80 meets the standards for nanomolecular stability, thereby enhancing its antioxidant activity. The flavonoid content of nse-Mol (539.31±8.88 mg QE/g) was higher than that of e-Mol (384.61±57.22 mg QE/g), and the IC₅₀ value of nse-Mol (35.67±4.18 μg/mL) was lower than that of e-Mol (99.72±0.40 μg/mL). This suggests that converting Moringa oleifera extract into a nanosuspension can effectively increase both flavonoid solubility and antioxidant activity.

Preparation and Evaluation in vitro of Usnic Acid Emulgel with Varying Concentrations of Propylene Glycol

Nola Rahmadasmi, Oryza Sativa Fitriani, Yurista Yalda — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:39:04 +0700

Usnic acid is one of the secondary metabolites found in lichens. Usnic acid has anti-inflammatory activity and is classified as class 2 in the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), with low solubility but high permeability. Therefore, a suitable delivery system is needed to enhance the release and penetration of usnic acid through the skin. Propylene glycol is a common component in topical formulations due to its humectant and penetration-enhancing properties, which can improve the release of active substances from the dosage form matrix. This research aims to develop and evaluate usnic acid emulgel preparations with varying propylene glycol concentrations and to determine their effects on physical characteristics, stability, and in vitro drug release. Methods: The research methods included the isolation and characterization of usnic acid, the formulation of an emulgel with varying propylene glycol concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%), and the evaluation of physical properties, including organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability through freeze-thaw tests. In addition, content determination and in vitro release tests were conducted using a Franz diffusion cell. . The results showed that all formulas met the requirements for a good topical preparation, with a pH within the skin range (4.5–6.5), homogeneity, and physical stability. Increasing the propylene glycol concentration decreased viscosity and improved spreadability and homogeneity. In vitro release tests showed that the formula with 15% propylene glycol produced the highest usnic acid release among the formulas. ). Conclusions: Variations in propylene glycol concentration significantly affected the characteristics and release of usnic acid from emulgel preparations. A 15% concentration was the optimal formulation for increasing the release of the active ingredient, with potential for further development as a natural-based topical anti-inflammatory preparation. There is an effect of varying propylene glycol concentrations on in vitro release.

Development of Natural Immunomodulatory Agents: Study of Bacang Leaf Activity against NK Cells with ELISA Reader (Study in vivo)

Sri Gusriyani, Yulia Yesti, Wenti Wulandari, Harysa Oktaviani — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:44:13 +0700

The immune system is the body's ability to fight disease by eliminating various foreign substances that enter the body. One of its main components is the Natural Killer (NK) cell, which functions to destroy infected cells. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Bacang (Mangifera foetida L.) leaf fractions on NK cells in vivo using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study employed a pretest–posttest experimental design with a control group. A total of 18 mice were divided into six groups. NK cell parameters were analyzed from blood serum collected through the retro-orbital plexus before and after treatment. The results showed the greatest increase in the ethyl acetate fraction, from approximately 13.3 ng/mL before treatment to 21.3 ng/mL after treatment. These findings suggest that Bacang leaf fractions may enhance NK cell-associated immune responses in mice, with the highest immunomodulatory effect observed in the ethyl acetate fraction.

Fingerprinting Profiling of Etawa Kefir for Formalin Counterfeiting Combined with Chemometrics

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:59:31 +0700

Milk adulteration has become a significant issue in Indonesia, particularly in high-value commodities such as Etawa goat milk and its fermented products, which are widely produced in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Formalin adulteration in fermented dairy products poses a critical food safety concern, necessitating rapid, reliable, and non-destructive analytical strategies. This study aimed to develop a combined fingerprinting FTIR profile and chemometric approach for detecting and quantifying formalin adulteration in kefir across concentrations ranging from 1% to 10% v/v. Spectral data were processed using multivariate modeling, including Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) for classification and Principal Component Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) for quantitative prediction. Linear Dicriminant Analysis (LDA) applied to classify samples and identify unique spectral markers. The results demonstrated that authentic Etawa goat milk exhibited a consistent spectral pattern, while adulterated samples showed significant variations, particularly in protein, methanol and carbohydrate-associated bands. The LDA model successfully distinguished pure and adulterated samples, demonstrating clear class separation driven by formalin-induced spectral variations. Quantitative analysis revealed that the PCR model outperformed PLS, exhibiting superior precision with RMSEC and RMSEP values below 2% and strong linearity (R² > 0.99) within the selected wavenumber region (3600–1100 cm⁻¹). These findings indicate that PCR offers robust predictive capability for formalin detection and can serve as an effective tool for routine quality control. Overall, the integration of FTIR spectroscopy and chemometric modeling provides a rapid, accurate, and reproducible method for monitoring adulteration in fermented dairy products.

Optimization of the Essential Oil Toner Formula from Kaffir Lime Peel (Citrus hystrix DC.) and Evaluation of Its Antibacterial Activity against Propionibacterium acnes

Nesa Agistia, Alfina Nadia, Wira Noviana Suhery — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:28:20 +0700

Acne is a multifactorial skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit. It is a complex inflammatory condition, in which one of the contributing factors is infection by Propionibacterium acnes, which plays a central role in its pathogenesis. Lime peel essential oil is rich in limonene (approximately 32%), which is known for its potent antibacterial activity. This study aims to evaluate the interactive effects of surfactant and co-surfactant concentrations on key physicochemical parameters—namely pH and percentage transmittance- while also identifying the optimal formulation, as well as assessing its physical stability and antibacterial performance. Using a factorial experimental design, Tween 80 (20–25%) and propylene glycol (15–20%) demonstrated interactive effects on the measured responses. Higher concentrations of Tween 80 and propylene glycol resulted in increased pH and percentage transmittance of the toner. Among the variables, Tween 80 was found to be the most influential factor affecting the responses. The optimized toner formulation consisted of 25% Tween 80 and 20% propylene glycol. Verification of the optimal formula using a one-sample t-test showed no significant difference between the predicted values (obtained from Design-Expert) and the experimental results for pH and percentage transmittance, as indicated by a Sig. (2-tailed) value of > 0.05. These results indicate excellent clarity and an ideal pH profile; however, a decrease in pH was observed after 8 weeks of storage. In addition, the incorporation of 15% lime peel essential oil exhibited antibacterial activity, producing an inhibition zone of 21.1 mm against P. acnes.